'Stand Up for Standout Friends' Returns For 2022

In some circles, Friends of the Library is seen as a near-synonym for used book sale. While it is true that Friends offer the best book bargains around, our contributions to library work these days are much more diverse, creative, and crucial than the outdated stereotype suggests.

Last year alone, Friends across Minnesota: co-hosted vaccination clinics, constructed clever and harrowing “escape rooms,” built and manned parade floats, provided gratis janitorial support, funded countless take-and-make craft kits –– and that’s just a start. There is simply no pigeonholing Friends of the Library work as it looks in 2022.

In recognition and celebration of that fact, MALF proudly hosts an annual Stand Up for Standout Friends recognition program. Now in its seventh year, this initiative has proven one of our most popular membership perks.

Each member group can submit one name per year. Whether you’ve nominated someone every cycle to date, or are new to the fold, we want to hear from you! 

You may be asking yourself, what exactly are ‘standout’ qualities? In short, it is up to you! Some groups may wish to acknowledge a current or former board member or other executive for their contributions in a leadership role. Others may choose to honor a Friend who has been with their organization since its founding. You are also welcome to bestow the honorific based on number of hours volunteered, amount of money raised, or any mix of these and other factors.

Perks include: a matted certificate of recognition from MALF; signed and personalized book from chart-topping Minnesota writer Kate DiCamillo; commendation letter to the mayor and county commissioner in each recipient’s hometown; and inclusion in a special video tribute that will be shared with libraries and their supporters across the state.

Click here to access the nomination form, and visit our website for more details. Remember to submit the e-form and supporting materials to MALF by Friday, July 22.